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Flacco passed the numbers test, but he passed the sight test as well. The three-year veteran just looked like a more confident, capable quarterback yesterday than in those previous five postseason starts.

Despite the mediocre pass protection through much of the game, Flacco was able to navigate the Ravens down the field by hitting his intermediate routes, checking the ball down to Ray Rice and his underneath receivers and even picking up yardage with his legs.

He was poised with defenders in his face, absorbed a couple big hits, and while he did lose one fumble on a Tamba Hali sack (man, is that guy a beast or what?), did a good job taking care of the football the rest of the game.

Flacco didn't take deep shots down the field, but he didn't have to. The way that the Chiefs were leaving the middle of the field open, Flacco and the Ravens could consistently attack with crossing routes and let Todd Heap do his thing.

He wasn't facing the Steelers, Jets or another top NFL defense, but the Chiefs are no slouches on that side of the ball. And Flacco picked them apart, drive after drive.